The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socioeconomic prosperity in South Africa. The organisation’s work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state.
The CSIR was established through an Act of Parliament in 1945 and the organisation’s executive authority is the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology.
The organisation plays a key role in supporting public and private sectors through directed research that is aligned with the country’s priorities, the organisation’s mandate and its science, engineering and technology competences.
The CSIR ensures that the annual grant received from Parliament through the Department of Science and Technology, which accounts for some 30% of its total income, is invested in knowledge generation, scientific infrastructure and enhancing skills. Additional income is generated from contract research for the public and private sectors, locally and abroad, as well as from royalties, licences and dividends from intellectual property management and commercial companies created by the CSIR.
